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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Aamir Mohammed

We asked the people of Cardiff if they understand the rules of lockdown anymore

Lockdown rules in Wales have changed dramatically over the last few days.

The Welsh Government has announced that from July 6 it is going to allow households to form  support bubbles.

It means families who have been waiting for months to see their loved ones will finally be allowed to meet a loved one indoors even stay overnight if they wish.

Although there has been a relaxation from the previous rules, the  Welsh Government's  new guidelines are still restrictive.

We asked people in Cardiff whether they understood lockdown rules and what they think of the new support bubbles.

Simon Ochyra, 36, from Riverside, was out shopping in Cardiff.

Simon Ochyra has enjoyed the updates from the Welsh Government (WalesOnline/ Rob Browne)

He believes the Welsh Government press conferences have proved beneficial and helpful.

He said: "I've been watching the press conferences from Mark Drakeford. He seems to get the message across but I'm not sure if everyone is paying attention, but I think it's easy to understand.

"I live alone so the buddying up system doesn't affect me because I don't have family in Cardiff. It may be difficult for single parents so it's just a case of choosing who you want to buddy up with."

He added: "I think Wales has been right to be cautious about easing lockdown. You see what happened in Leicester and if that was to happen in Cardiff it would take us all one step backwards.

"The quicker we come out of lockdown the sooner we'll go back into it."

St Mary Street was quiet as people went about their shopping, many for the first time since lockdown began.

Social distancing was in place on St Mary Street (Mark Griffiths)

Among them was Jeanna Mulheron, 36, who works as a bodyguard in Cardiff.

She believes Wales has done "the right thing" by not following England in easing lockdown measures too soon, particularly following the news that Leicester has gone into local lockdown this week after a spike in cases in the city.

"We are doing the right thing and I think the Welsh Government are doing a great job," she said.

However, she believes it's now the right time for Welsh businesses to start re-opening - while keeping the borders closed.

She said: "People who have pubs and restaurants should re-open and so should universities. The shops have re-opened so why can't other businesses re-open?

"People are starting to feel unfit so gyms should re-open and people should be allowed to get back into a routine.

"Keep our borders closed but re-open businesses like England have."

David Wainwright, 64, lives in the city centre. He hasn't seen his sister, who lives in Gabalfa, since the start of lockdown and praises the Welsh Government for easing the lockdown.

David believes Parliament should make decisions for the people in Wales (WalesOnline/ Rob Browne)

However, he believes the messages from Parliament have led to confusion.

He said: "I think people are understanding the five-mile guidance and people are sticking to the rules. At least it's not like it is in England where you saw Bournemouth (the crowded beach).

"I haven't seen my sister for 18 weeks so it'll be nice to go and see her, it's been a long time and because of lockdown it's been hard for myself living alone.

"Let's take small steps and keep it to one household at a time. We don't want the virus to spread again.

"The Welsh Government seem to see what England do first. I think Parliament should make the rules for everyone. We don't need the Welsh Government to tell us what to do when the Parliament in London are also telling us."

Tim Owen, 24, from Canton, believes the Welsh Government has done a good job with informing people of the rules.

He said: "The rules can be confusing because we get so much different information but they have done a good job in keeping it as clear as they can.

"Wales' strategy in being cautious is great because if it saves lives that is what's important.

"We haven't thought about who to buddy up with yet but it's positive for those who live alone. It'll be hard to find a system that pleases everybody but if we can find a system that increases people's mental wellbeing then that's great."

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